background image
When temperatures drop, the warmth of family traditions keeps our
community glowing. Fauquier County is home to cherished, family-owned
businesses that have served locals for generations. These businesses are
more than just places to shop or dine--they're living stories of resilience,
dedication, and community spirit. Explore some of these beloved family
businesses below...
McClanahan Camera in Warrenton, a family-owned business
established in 1961 by Robert and Bridget McClanahan,
remains a trusted local staple. Their daughter, Cindy Ellis,
joined the business in 1994 and now serves as general
manager. Her husband, Keith, oversees custom framing, while
their son, Mason, assists customers at the counter.
This year the store is focusing on preserving memories with
services such as backing up digital photos, digitizing movies,
slides, negatives, and color photos, and creating framed masterpieces or
custom photo gifts, including Sherpa blankets, canvas prints, and notecards.
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, customers are invited to "frame
their Valentine" with a personalized gift.
Photography education is another key offering. Private lessons help clients
improve their photography skills or learn to use phone or interchangeable
lens cameras. For beginners, Cindy suggests scheduling a private lesson
before enrolling in the store's four-week fundamentals class. To support
young local artists, McClanahan Camera helps create photobooks to
showcase their work. Cindy also shares her expertise through paid speaking
engagements and free presentations for community groups, including the
Boy Scouts. For more information, call
(540) 347-2533
Blue Ridge Seafood, a Gainesville
landmark just outside Warrenton, is marking
its 45th anniversary this year. Known for its
fresh, made-to-order seafood, the restaurant
sources top-quality lobster from Maine, wild-
caught shrimp from the Gulf, snow crab from
the North Atlantic, and oysters and scallops
from Maryland. "My favorite comment is
when our regular customers go on vacation to the Carolinas and say the
seafood is better at home," says manager Kyle Donovan, whose grandparents
founded the restaurant. His father, Mark Donovan, adds, "Like steak, there
are different grades of seafood, and we buy the best that's available to us.
That makes a huge difference."
Seafood may be the star, but the diverse menu offers something for
everyone, with options ranging from salads, tacos, and chicken to ribeye
steak, BBQ ribs, gator tail, and frog legs.
The restaurant's busy season traditionally begins during Lent, which starts
on March 5 this year. Upcoming events include a wine pairing in March, a
seafood boil in April in partnership with Gray Ghost Vineyards, and live music
beginning in May. For more information, call
(703) 754-9852.
TIM
E DAT
ED M
ATE
RIA
LS
PLE
ASE E
XPE
DIT
E
Res
iden
tia
l C
usto
mer
February 2025
Online at www.discoverypubs.com
PRSRT-STD
ECRWSS
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
DULLES, VA
PERMIT NO. 724
POSTAL
CUSTOMER
FAMILY-OWNED EXCELLENCE
~ Kristy Gillespie
Fauquier
BLUE RIDGE SEAFOOD
MCCLANAHAN CAMERA
Complicated taxes?
Bring it on.
Taxes are complicated. Getting your
taxes done isn't enough ­ you need
your taxes done right. That's where we
come in. We hire and train the most
qualified tax professionals to ensure
you claim every credit and deduction
you deserve so you get your maximum
refund. Guaranteed.*
Call today to make your appointment.
77 W LEE HWY, WARRENTON, VA 20186
540-347-7517
6384 SHOPPING CENTER, BEALETON, VA 22712 540-439-1270
15135 MONTANUS DRIVE, CULPEPER, VA 22701 540-825-8700
ORANGE PARK & SHOP, ORANGE, VA 22960
540-672-4050
*If you discover an H&R Block error on your return that entitles you to a larger refund or smaller tax
liability, we'll refund the tax prep fee for that return. Refund claims must be made during the calendar
year in which the return was prepared.
OBTP#B13696@2013 HRB Tax Group, Inc.
Connecting Our
Community